100 years ago

SMOKE from three chimneys at the Skipton workhouse was causing a nuisance to nearby residents and a solicitor's letter to the Board of Guardians threatened legal action unless the problem was resolved. The guardians recommended an inspection of the workhouse boiler, which was said to be too small and worn out.

Burnsall experienced a new sensation in the form of a Unionist gathering, where villagers indulged in some "sensible political talk". It was the first Unionist "smoking concert" to be held in the village and it was hailed an unqualified success. The event took place at the Red Lion with songs sung at various intervals accompanied by the piano.

A Kelbrook farmer and his friend were infected with anthrax after putting down a cow which, unknown to them, was suffering from the disease. While waiting for the vet to come from Colne, the pair had decided to put the animal out of its misery themselves. However, to their surprise the vet later informed them the cow had anthrax. They had no idea they were dealing with an infectious animal, and one of them was even said to have held the knife in his mouth! They both became infected, but it was hoped they would recover.

50 years ago

SKIPTON magistrates again refused to extend the drinking hours from 10pm until 10.30pm during the summer months. The request had come from the Licensed Victuallers' Association, but objections were received from the Rector of Skipton, the Methodist Church and three temperance societies.

Six-year-old Barnoldswick pianist, Richard Pearson, became the youngest musician ever to win the Madame Sylvia cup at the Burnley Music Festival. The cup was awarded to the best pianist under the age of 11.

The robust health of the Skipton Division Womens' Conservative Association was reflected three fold in the numerical strength, financial stability and all-pervading enthusiasm at the annual meeting, reported the Herald. Guest speaker was the wife of MP Burnaby Drayson who spoke on the poor state of the country's economy. "The stark truth is that only a few months stand between us in these islands and bankruptcy, unemployment and hunger," she declared.

25 years ago

ONE of the first Soviet youth delegations to visit Britain enjoyed a tour of South Craven School at Cross Hills. The youth leaders were on a week-long visit as guests of the British Youth Council and the trip to Yorkshire was the only excursion outside Britain. They enjoyed a tour of the school and learned about British teaching methods.

Shouts of protest greeted Settle town councillors as they tried to defend their decision to resurface the market place with stone setts. Members of the public were angry at the decision, with claims that it would be much cheaper to use tarmac and that the setts would be out of character and dangerous. Councillors had also been presented with a 745-name petition objecting to the decision.

Barnoldswick's modern new Baptist Church was officially handed over to the trustees. The move marked the end of major building work on the £80,000 church, although some jobs still needed to be completed before the official opening in June. Features at the church included closed circuit television and sound.

10 years ago

DEMOLITION work had started on Cononley's Tap Mill after a fierce blaze caused £500,000 worth of damage. Over 60 firefighters took more than four hours to bring the blaze under control, with flames shooting more than 100 feet into the air and several explosions shaking the building. The fire wrecked the premises of small businesses based in the mill, and nearby residents had to be evacuated.

The Right Rev David Smith was named as the new Bishop of Bradford. Speaking at a press conference in Skipton, Mr Smith said the appointment had come as a complete surprise, but he was grateful to have such an opportunity. After 10 years in the role, Mr Smith is due to retire this summer.

Government officials had joined protests against a locals-only housing policy suggested by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The idea was said to be contrary to Government policy and had prompted objections from a whole host of organisations from Craven District Council to the National Farmers' Union. Objectors labelled the idea unreasonable, saying it was restricting the ability of property owners to realise the full market value of their land and buildings.